Pristine to Polluted: Sewage Problems & Solutions in the Texas Hill Country

Pristine to Polluted: Sewage Problems & Solutions in the Texas Hill Country explores how rapid growth and increasing wastewater discharge are putting the Texas Hill Country’s rivers, creeks, and aquifers at risk. Using state and federal monitoring data from 48 municipal sewage treatment plants across 17 counties, the report shows that most facilities exceeded permitted pollution limits between 2017 and 2020. Because many Hill Country streams have low flow and are closely connected to sensitive aquifers like the Edwards, even treated sewage can have devastating impacts on water quality and aquatic life.

Our report highlights the environmental and public health consequences of sewage pollution—including algae blooms, oxygen depletion, and bacterial contamination—while also identifying shortcomings in current regulation and enforcement. In the report, we propose practical solutions, such as stronger permit standards, improved treatment methods, land-based disposal, and expanded wastewater reuse.

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